Service Details

Acupuncture in Calgary

Integrative Health Centre is a well-known Calgary acupuncture clinic offering a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine services including acupuncture treatments. Contact us today to make an appointment for any of your acupuncture needs in Calgary.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine art of healing that balances the vital energy QI (chee) that is inside our bodies to restore health to various bodily systems. It involves inserting fine thread-like needles into specific points on the skin to help stimulate the re-balancing of Qi energy flow. This can help the body heal itself, modulate hormones and neurotransmitters, reduce pain, and improve immune system function.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

When an acupuncture needle is inserted it creates a pain-killing or analgesic effect, a natural bodily response that is caused by a release of endorphins. These endorphins can be pointed to certain areas of the body, which can be highly effective in treating certain conditions. Since acupuncture treatments can also help to identify underlying causes of symptoms, it is also an effective diagnostic and preventative method for limiting progression of symptoms further. Generally, chronic conditions will need at least 10 Chinese acupuncture treatments to notice significant improvement. Acute conditions may notice a difference in symptoms after the first or second visit.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Chinese acupuncture uses very fine needles, gently inserted in precise points so that patients rarely feel pain. Since pain receptors are located at the skin's surface, patients may feel a tiny prick as the needle is inserted. Once the needle has past the surface and has reached the underlying muscle, patients rarely feel any pain whatsoever, though they may feel some pressure and heaviness from the stimulation of QI. Individuals who are afraid of needles may wish to try acupressure instead.

What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture can help treat both acute and chronic conditions. The latter will take longer to see results but improvements usually happen over successive treatments. Every patient is unique in their symptoms, thus each treatment is customized to suit their concerns and body.

Addictions

Asthma

Allergies

Blood Issues

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Depression / Anxiety / Stress

Fatigue

Frozen Shoulder & Shoulder Pain

Gynaecological & Menstrual Pain / Issues

Infertility / Fertility

Headaches (Migraine & Tension)

Lower Back Pain & Sciatica

Neck Pain

Neurological Issues / Paralysis

PTSD

Sciatica

Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Sleep Issues

Stroke

Are the needles sterilized, one-time use, and what are they made from?

Yes, all Chinese acupuncture needles are sterilized and one-time use only. They are typically stainless steel but can also be made from gold.

How deep do the needles go?

Needles are inserted at varying depths and angles depending on the location of the body and the desired treatment effect.

What should I expect when I come for an appointment?

At the initial intake appointment at the Integrative Health Centre, much like any other Calgary acupuncture clinic, the patient is asked several questions to help the doctor understand the imbalances they are feeling. After, the doctor examines the patient, takes their pulse and looks at their tongue. The doctor will then administer the appropriate treatment they feel is most appropriate.

How many treatments would I need until I see results?

The number of acupuncture treatments needed is determined by the length of time the patient has had the illness or concern. Generally, chronic conditions need at least 10 to notice significant improvements. Acute conditions may notice a difference after the first or second.

How will I feel after a treatment?

Many patients feel relaxed and slightly drowsy. In some cases, however, patients notice a burst of energy.

How do I prepare for a treatment?

Wear comfortable clothes and make sure you have eaten something before your visit. Having an acupuncture treatment on an empty stomach can result in feeling faint or dizzy.

Open Hours

Monday 09:00–17:00

Tuesday 11:00–18:00

Wednesday 11:00–19:00

Thursday 11:00–18:00

Friday 09:00–17:00

Saturday 09:00–13:00

Sunday Closed

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